Martín Berdugo Joven, Ribera del Duero 2003 and
Gran Feudo Viñas Viejas, Navarra, Julian Chivite 1998
Martín Berdugo Joven, Ribera del Duero 2003. Here's something worth seeking out - a young Spanish red that delivers far more than the simple fruit flavours typical of a wine designed for early drinking. Nicknamed Spotty Youth, it's earthy, spicy and brilliantly lively on the palate, with a gentle squeeze of tannin. Few bottles from swanky Ribera del Duero come at this price - or go with so many foods. From Drink Store, Manor Street; Listons, Camden Street; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Searsons, Monkstown; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Murtaghs, Enniskerry; Halpins, Wicklow; Gaffneys, Ballina and Castlebar; DeVine Wines, Letterkenny; Patrick Stewart, Sligo; Next Door outlets nationwide, €10.50-10.95.
Gran Feudo Viñas Viejas, Navarra, Julian Chivite 1998. If, like me, you long every so often for a red wine with a bit more maturity than most, try this Spanish beauty. Made from Tempranillo with a dash of Cabernet and Merlot by one of Navarra's oldest family-owned bodegas, it delivers intense but subtle flavours ending with a savoury flourish. Outstanding value, given the quality. Treat it to a roast. From Molloys outlets; No 1 Vintage, Goatstown; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Unwined, Swords; Mill, Maynooth; O'Rourkes, Newbridge; Egans, Drogheda; Donlons, Longford; World Wide Wines, Waterford; O'Donovans, Cork; and others, usually €14.99.